HISTORY fans were treated to a special tour of Ewell on Sunday to unveil the village’s colourful past.

The Ewell Trail saw members of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the Rotary Club of Ewell enjoy a guided walk around the village and learn more about its 500-year history.

Storyboards and plaques were dotted along the trail, which begins and ends at the Dorset House in Cheam Road and runs along the river Hogsmill, telling stories of medieval houses and heavy gravestones once used to foil body snatchers.

The trail was officially opened by the president of the Rotary Club, Dr Dhiren Rathod, and the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, councillor Jan Mason.

Dr Rathod said: “The project is the culmination of four years of planning, discussion and execution to mark the centenary of Rotary International and the 50th anniversary of the Ewell Club.”

Cllr Jean Smith, chairman of the environment committee, said: “We are delighted to see this heritage trail launched.

“Ewell’s history is part of its charm and we hope that many people will take the opportunity to make the discoveries for themselves by taking advantage of this walk.”